Relationship of Serum Pro-Gastrin-Releasing Peptide with Kidney Fibrosis and Proteinuria

Background: Interstitial fibrosis/tubular atrophy (IFTA) plays a crucial role in the pathogenesis of chronic kidney disease. Pro-gastrin-releasing peptide (proGRP), a neuropeptide, plays a role in stimulating fibroblast activity. This study explores the association between serum proGRP levels and IFTA severity.

Methods: The patient group consisted of 49 patients (23 males; mean age 44.1 ± 15 years) who underwent kidney biopsy and the control group comprised 20 healthy volunteers (8 males; mean age 43.4 ± 7.2 years). Pro-gastrin-releasing peptide was measured using a commercially available Elabscience Human Pro-Gastrin-Releasing Peptide enzyme-linked immuno sorbent assay kit. The scoring system was implemented based on the percentage of IFTA severity in kidney tissue samples.

Results: Pro-gastrin-releasing peptide levels were observed to be significantly elevated in the patient group compared to the controls [30.0 (22.1-48.1) U/L vs 19.7 (15.1-30.3) U/L, (P = .004)]. A statistically significant positive correlation was identi fied between proGRP level and the presence of proteinuria (P = .012).

Conclusion: The study demonstrated that proGRP levels might increase in the presence of kidney fibrosis and proteinuria.

Cite this article as: Özden M, Eser B, Doğan I, et al. Relationship of serum pro-gastrin-releasing peptide with kidney fibrosis and proteinuria. Turk J Nephrol. 2026;35(1):32-39.